Stage 3: Proposed Immigration Legislature

In an editorial written by an anonymous commentator for the Austin American Statesman, the commentary “Legislature Takes on Sticky Issue” talks about recent policy proposals regarding the immigration issue in Texas. According to the author, last month Governor Rick Perry declared an emergency item to legislature which would have prevented the creation of policies that would prohibit police from inquiring into suspects immigration status, or in simpler terms, to ensure that the police authorities would inquire about the immigration status of suspects. He then goes on to say how officers are already expected to inquire about such things and that suspected aliens are put on I.C.E hold before deportation status is determined. The author seems to believes that the media has made Travis county and the surroundings of other large cities in Texas appear as sanctuaries for immigrants, and that this proposal is an attempt by the Governor to aid in the effort against continued illegal immigration. However, the writer then points out that deportations are already at an all time high, and that no city council member in any mind would propose such a policy that would prevent officers from inquiring about immigration status. It is also noted that such a proposal from the Governor could encourage increased harassment and racial profiling given the state’s history.

From what I can tell, what the author is trying to say is that this proposed legislature by the governor will do no good as the best efforts by the police are currently being made to deal with illegal immigration, and that something other than increased police authority is required to make a substantial contribution to the immigration issue. Though the intended audience appears to by the residents of Travis County, and perhaps even the Texas legislature, the author provides little evidence to any of his claims. He offers no statistics that would lead anyone to believe that deportations are high, nor does he list any of the authorities current official responsibilities toward inquiring about immigration. This, along with the fact that the editorial appears to be anonymous, gives the author very little credibility.

Though the author’s argument is weak in my opinion (an opinion which is shared by many of the people who commented on this editorial) I still agree that this proposed legislature is bogus. What is the point of putting the time and effort into a policy that prevents the police from not doing their jobs, jobs which they have already proven to be doing very diligently, and concerning an issue which many Texans seem to be very passionate about? It seems to me that other policy changes would be more effective, such as tighter border security and more efficient and thorough immigration investigations once suspects have been identified.